Ferrari have received a €30,000 fine following a pit stop incident involving Lewis Hamilton at the Belgian Grand Prix, after a team member was knocked to the ground as the seven time world champion left his pit box.
The incident happened on lap 20 while the race was under Virtual Safety Car conditions. Hamilton entered the pits carrying a five second penalty for his opening lap collision with Mercedes driver George Russell.
After the mandatory five seconds had been completed, Ferrari replaced four tyres. Confusion then developed over a requested front wing adjustment. As Hamilton was given the green signal to depart, a mechanic carrying the adjustment tool stepped towards the front right wheel and was struck.
Hamilton stopped immediately until the crew member had moved away. The mechanic escaped injury.
Race officials reviewed the episode and concluded that Ferrari had released the car unsafely. The team was fined €30,000, with €10,000 suspended for 12 months.
Ferrari explained that Charles Leclerc was already positioned in his pit area when Hamilton entered the lane, adding pressure to a complicated stop. Hamilton had also asked for a front wing change, but the request was not passed to the person controlling the release.
According to the investigation, mixed instructions were given as the penalty period ended. The tyre work was completed, the car was lowered, and the release light turned green. However, the mechanic was looking down at his equipment and did not notice the signal before moving forward.
The stewards cleared Hamilton of responsibility and decided no sporting punishment was necessary. Ferrari must now review its pit procedures and submit a report to the FIA outlining steps introduced to prevent a similar incident in future. The suspended amount will become payable if Ferrari repeats the offence within 12 months.
